What makes The Medicine by Planet Asia notable?

'The Medicine' is significant for its exploration of themes such as resilience and authenticity, receiving acclaim from critics for its lyrical depth. The album contributed to the resurgence of interest in West Coast hip-hop during the mid-2000s and helped inspire a new generation of artists seeking to blend traditional styles with contemporary influences. By the time 'The Medicine' was released in 2006, Planet Asia had established himself as an influential figure in underground hip-hop. This album followed his critically acclaimed 2003 project 'The Last Stand', showcasing his growth as a lyricist and a versatile artist while solidifying his connections within the hip-hop community.

Who is The Medicine for?

The Medicine works well if you're into sharp lyricism for keen listeners, short tracks for quick engagement and soulful beats for reflective moments.

How many songs are on The Medicine?

The Medicine has 16 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

The Medicine

Planet Asia · 2006

63 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant blend of clever wordplay and hard-hitting beats that pulse with the spirit of West Coast hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Get Active — This track features an infectious beat and showcases Planet Asia's ability to weave motivational lyrics with compelling rhythms, making it an anthem for empowerment.
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Thick Ropes — With its introspective lyrics and strong narrative, this song highlights Asia's storytelling prowess while addressing themes of struggle and perseverance.
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No Question — This track stands out for its confident delivery and sharp lyricism, encapsulating the essence of Asian's style and the album's overall message about self-assurance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical content and production, contributing to its appeal within underground hip-hop.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns between verses, enhancing the lyrical delivery.
Many tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside samples, creating a rich texture that complements the hard-hitting beats.
The sequencing includes several interludes that provide thematic transitions, allowing for a narrative flow across the album's runtime.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

sharp lyricism for keen listeners
short tracks for quick engagement
soulful beats for reflective moments
upbeat energy for active listening
varied pacing throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, immersive experiences
seek slow, contemplative moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Planet Asia's reputation in underground hip-hop.
Career context: By the time 'The Medicine' was released in 2006, Planet Asia had established himself as an influential figure in underground hip-hop. This album followed his critically acclaimed 2003 project 'The Last Stand', showcasing his growth as a lyricist and a versatile artist while solidifying his connections within the hip-hop community.
Stylistic neighbors: Kool Keith· Aesop Rock· MF DOOM